How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they may have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider can be covered by insurance, making it affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This free tool cannot provide an assessment or diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or a mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, lives, and relationships. It is important to remember that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can cause symptoms. Therefore, how to get an adhd assessment is essential that a certified health professional conducts an entire assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment options.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter regularly like:
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g., TV, a chat with a companion, or the noises of traffic outside the window).
Completes tasks and assignments at work or school (e.g. forgets to submit an assignment, loses work materials, or doesn't check in with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Frequently blurts out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is not willing to engage with tasks that require continuous mental efforts (e.g. homework or schoolwork for adolescents older than adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
It is often difficult to keep track of time or understanding complex or changing schedules (e.g. often fails to make appointments or is late on household or work obligations).
The person is a first-degree family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other health issues or disorders, including mood and sleep issues, which can produce similar symptoms. A health care provider will examine the patient's mental and physical health history, including mood, and may inquire about previous and current medications. They will also look at the patient's current or, if they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health professional can find this information by asking friends and coworkers for their opinion, or by looking at early school records and other educational records. In addition, health care specialists will examine whether the person uses psychostimulants or other "complementary" health approaches to help with their ADHD. These approaches are not scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you're suffering from ADHD If you're prone to losing your keys, experience difficulty keeping up at work or at school, or forget appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks every now and then. However, if your reluctance and apathy are getting out of hand and you're not sure if it's the time to talk to an expert in mental health. This isn't a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start a conversation about getting help for issues that can disrupt your daily life.
While self-assessment tools are an effective method of determining whether your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to have a consultation and evaluation with an expert in the field. They will evaluate your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your life, your family history, your mental and medical history. They will also utilize checklists or rating scales to assess your symptoms. They may also conduct a physical exam to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your provider will look at the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in more than one setting like school and home or social situations, and significantly interfere with your or your child's daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months, and not be explained better by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for adults and older teens differs slightly. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. When deciding on a treatment plan, it's vital that your provider knows your medical history.
It's also crucial that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who have ADHD. Many people who have symptoms of ADHD have an accredited professional counselor or therapist. It's helpful to ask about their experience and training prior to making an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment due to the negative stigma associated with the condition. Scientific research has confirmed adult ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts recommend a combination non-medication strategies, such as therapy and lifestyle changes. They also suggest educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life will be addressed, allowing him or her to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Therapy with an individual is a crucial component of healing. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships and build the ability to cope. It helps people understand and manage impulsive behavior and help them manage their time and money better. These treatments can be provided in-person or via an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a fantastic way to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also help parents remove distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable to allow them to concentrate on their work or homework.
In therapy, you can also teach self-management skills like time management and organizational skills and self-care techniques such eating healthy and exercising. These techniques can be particularly useful for children with ADHD who have difficulty at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by taking medication. Medications work by decreasing the activity in certain areas of the brain which regulate impulse control, which enables people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, quetiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of experimental therapies for managing ADHD. One study found that a small device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending electrical pulses of gentleness to the trigeminal nerve system, which transmits the sensations from the head and face to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it can also bring up many questions. It's normal for adults to want to understand how their issues impact them and what they can do to manage their lives. The good thing is that there's many resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD, and their families can seek help from support groups to help them navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups help people connect with others who can share their experiences, provide advice, or provide emotional assistance. Additionally, a lot of these groups are specifically focused on specific topics like work-related issues, parenting struggles, and the unique challenges that women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can also be a useful source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine if their symptoms are caused by ADHD. They typically consist of the questionnaire, which includes items that are typically experienced by adults with ADHD. They cannot replace a professional evaluation.
In addition to a range of online sources, there are numerous local and national support groups available for those suffering from ADHD. These groups are typically run by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and can offer an opportunity to talk about the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children with ADHD are also able to receive lots of assistance and support from their doctor. In addition to prescribing medications and assisting with treatment, they are also trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach the strategies to their children. Parents usually attend between 8 and 16 sessions with a therapist and practice these strategies between sessions.
Contact your mental health professional or your healthcare provider if you are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able recommend a group or suggest a specific one. Also, make sure you attend a few meetings prior to you join to make sure that the tone is appropriate for you. Also, be careful of sharing any personal information. Also, be aware that the majority of forums and online support groups permit anyone to post information. This information could not be controlled by medical practices and is not subject to regulation.